carmin
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by carmin on Mar 4, 2009 21:11:03 GMT -7
I've been reading about various models here, looked at reviews, heard the Dr. z videos for the Maz GT (which I was hot for) & the Maz 38. Now I'm starting to think that the GT may be a bit too raw, not enough tonal warmth for me. I actually wanted that before. But now I want more versatility. Beyond rocking out, I'd like to play some blues, & get clean tones. The Maz 38 seems to be very versatile (many knobs), but the Z 28 does as well. There's no official Dr. Z video on the Z28 head for me to compare & I don't know anyone that has one. I play mostly strats, but have bucker instruments as well. Oh my head, how do I choose?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2009 3:54:31 GMT -7
I'm pretty new to the Z world, but since I own both amps, I figure I'll chime in with my $.02. Both the MAZ and the Z28 can do clean or dirt, and I like both with humbuckers or single coils. Some guys feel the Z28 is purely a single coil amp. From what I've seen in the last few months, speakers and pickups have a lot to do with that, but YMMV.
The MAZ is probably more versatile in finding the tone you're looking for since it has a mid control, and the master volume can help you dial in the dirt without cranking the amp. On the other hand, the beauty of the Z28 is the simplicity. Now that I'm familiar with the amp, I can get where I want to be pretty quick. In the end, I think you'd be ok with either one, but I might favor the MAZ. It was my first Z amp, and was a nice entry into the brand after playing vintage Fender amps.
As a side note, if you're buying this for home/recording, I'd look at a MAZ18 instead of the 38. Great tone with less dB's.
|
|
|
Post by hogridr on Mar 5, 2009 7:53:39 GMT -7
Your right there is not video, but there are a few sound clips on his website. Another clip to listen to is by Z Forums own "6strang". He did a nice sound clip showing the range of the Z-28. I have the Maz Jr NR and the Z-28 and the Z-28 is getting way more love right now. You are right the GT is more raw and serves it's purpose well, but I have connected with the Z-28 more than I did the GT. To each his own right. Link to 6strang's audio drzamplifiers.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=soundfiles&action=display&thread=20085
|
|
carmin
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by carmin on Mar 5, 2009 12:29:09 GMT -7
Thanks for the viewpoints & thank you HogR for the audio link. I have listened to that and a few others. For practicality, I should get the lower wattage maz 18, but NO. Even though it's only for me at home I wanna rock out. I deserve it & can do it. I have a 2X12 cab I'm thinking of outfitting with Celestion Golds. So maybe KT45 is the way to go. Doesn't seem to put out as warm a tone as a Z/28 or Maz. I also may not need that much, I heard a review of the Cgolds with a 15 watt tiny terror thru a 4X12 cab with the golds (200 watts). It impressed me. So a Z/28 must be able to drive a 100 watt cab.
When you can't choose, it's certainly a tribute to a fine product. Z/28, Maz, Kt, what to choose. If I can only find a deal for a z/28 like the one that was posted here recently. My research & quest for my first Z amp continues.
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Mar 5, 2009 20:11:44 GMT -7
Keep looking for the deal. I purchased a Z-28 4x10 combo from one of the other forum members and it is a really good sounding amp. I also only noodle on my own and love it. Plus with the use of a radial box I can use the 4x10 speakers with my EZG 50
|
|
|
Post by kidmagic on Mar 6, 2009 10:39:47 GMT -7
"Even though it's only for me at home I wanna rock out. I deserve it & can do it. I have a 2X12 cab I'm thinking of outfitting with Celestion Golds. So maybe KT45 is the way to go. "
you may want the MAZ Jr. it has a master volume. Neither the KT45 or the Z28 have master volume. I have both, they are loud! Louder than you'd want at home probably. But if your looking for gigging amp that you could turn up, I'd recommend the Z28 all the way.
|
|
carmin
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by carmin on Mar 6, 2009 12:00:24 GMT -7
Thanks Jag & KidM. Here's the latest. I went from checking out the MazGt (too raw, not enough warmth for me), to both Maz 18/38 and the Z/28 (which seem to have the warm tones and versatility I seek). Well, now I'm back to simplicity of the Ghia because of it's ease of use, it works well with different cabs, and for a simpleton like me - maintenance will be easier as no biasing is needed for tube changing time.
It's rated a few watts lower than the Z/28 (which is where I WAS leaning), but I hope I can get my loud fix thru a 2X12 cab I just picked up which has Mojo BV 25M speakers for a total of 50 watts. I should get some speaker break fun. I feel I'll get the warm tones/versatility out of the Ghia - do you think I'll get my loud fix from this setup?
|
|
|
Post by Joey Beverages on Mar 6, 2009 12:13:14 GMT -7
Ghia loud enough? Yes. I got both the '28 and the Ghia. Have not found either lacking for volume and tone using 112, 210, 212 or 412. You'll be heard. And it will be an awesome sound with either or both running at the same time ;D cheers always, eh Joel
|
|
|
Post by bustertheboy on Mar 6, 2009 19:10:04 GMT -7
Ghia loud enough? Yes. I got both the '28 and the Ghia. Have not found either lacking for volume and tone using 112, 210, 212 or 412. You'll be heard. And it will be an awesome sound with either or both running at the same time ;D cheers always, eh Joel I've also got the Z28 and Ghia pair. Both are loud but the Z28 with the tone controls at about 11 o'clock will give louder cleans if that's what you're after. Both are beautiful amps but the Z28 is probably a little more versatile on the proviso that you play with the tone controls a bit (only adding mids and gain after 12 o'clock). Nothing sounds like the Ghia though. Brett
|
|
carmin
Junior Member
Posts: 79
|
Post by carmin on Mar 7, 2009 19:03:48 GMT -7
Thank you Buster & Joel. I've been wrestling with a decision for a while. I feel fortunate that I can be in a position to finally make a purchase (any Z amp is more worthy than my skills). So, I have ordered a Ghia. Respectfully, I will move my further details to the Ghia section.
|
|
|
Post by vanillasr08 on Apr 27, 2009 13:37:35 GMT -7
If your playing mostly strats...I'm gonna say go with the Maz 38. Its an awesome strat amp. The Z-28 is great as well, but its not quite as versatile as the maz.
|
|
|
Post by jtguitar on May 17, 2009 18:29:28 GMT -7
I just got a great deal on a used Z-28 head from a fellow forum member. It's my 3rd Z, but as always, a pleasure to play. Sounds like a huge Bassman through my 4x10... more Deluxe through an open-back 1x12. Great with pedals too.
|
|
|
Post by flem on May 17, 2009 19:30:09 GMT -7
The Z28 to me has huge thick clean tones when uncranked and a great thick marshally OD when cranked. I think my MazJR is more versatile tonaly, but the Z28 does an awesome american bassman tone while clean, plus a thick british OD when cranked. It absorbs pedals, and I love both my Z28 and my MazJras they complement each other , but the Jr does offer a few more shades of amps.
|
|
|
Post by Joey Beverages on May 17, 2009 19:31:30 GMT -7
I just got a great deal on a used Z-28 head from a fellow forum member. It's my 3rd Z, but as always, a pleasure to play. Sounds like a huge Bassman through my 4x10... more Deluxe through an open-back 1x12. Great with pedals too. +1 and congrats to you .... crank it up and let 'er rip cheers always, eh Joel
|
|